The Family

Hands in his pockets, Umbra trudged through the jungle, soft moonlight beaming on his back. The grass was still wet from the rain, but right now, Umbra didn't care about his shoes or socks.

He halted at the edge of a stream, staring at his reflection. He had lost weight, his cheekbones more defined and sharp. He seemed to have aged years in the past few weeks. The scars that plagued the right side of his face peeked out from under his eyepatch, a startling reminder that he wasn't the same person he was several months ago. The wrinkles under his remaining eye made his face appear weathered and tired.

One thought stood out in Umbra’s muddled mind: despite everything, he was still standing.

He blinked, focusing on the wavy image in the water. Apastron was wrong- he was worth something.

Shaking his head, Umbra held out his hand, his sword forming in his palm. The violet blade cut through the air, runes filling with magical energy. A portal ripped open before him, its magic aura casting an occult light on the scenery around it.

As he stared at his own blade, his heart skipped a beat. A flash of Asher’s knife played before his eyes, and he flinched. He turned his head towards the temple, thinking about Coatl and Tails. A sense of resolution burned hot in his chest.

Pushing his hair off his face, Umbra stepped into the portal.

----

The cool Michigan air met Umbra with open arms as his feet connected with the ground. A sea of Earth stars hung over him, his favorite sign of homecoming.

Quaint and only slightly eerie, the Mortis household stood like a beckon. Umbra could only assume it was late at night, as all the windows in the surrounding houses were dark. The suburb was quiet and almost serene.

Umbra stepped onto the porch, the wooden panels creaking under his feet. He had never been more thankful to be in his yard, even if the grass needed to be cut.  He turned the doorknob and the door immediately opened- Aunora always forgot to lock the door.

Matthew threw himself on Umbra before Umbra even spotted him, and his vision was suddenly full of Matthew’s chest.

“Umbry! You're finally home!” Matthew cried, lifting him in the air. Umbra sighed, relaxing in his grip.

“You're past curfew, Pretty Boy,” Aunora said with a smirk, slapping a hand on his shoulder, “It's after ten-thirty.”

“Sorry, Mother,” Umbra hissed playfully, sticking out his tongue.

“So,” Matthew asked, keeping an arm around his shoulders, “How'd it go? Did you get that boy home?”

Umbra smiled, remembering Tails’s joyful expression. “Yes,” he murmured, “He's home now.”

Aunora jerked her thumb behind her, pointing at the stovetop. “We left you some chicken, if you're hungry.”

“Thanks,” Umbra whispered, hands traveling to his shirt. He pulled off his suit jacket, tossing it over the chair. Loosening his tie, he kept his eyes down.

“Ah...Can we talk a little?” Umbra said, voice hoarse.

Matthew's carefree smile faded. “What's wrong?”

“I...I know I've been saying I'm fine, but,” Umbra paused, touching his eyepatch, “I don't think I am. I need your help.”

“Umbra, I had no idea,” Aunora said, shoulders slumping.

Umbra flinched as Aunora and Matthew wrapped him in a tight hug. He avoided their gaze, cheeks red.

“We'll talk as long as you want, Umbry,” Matthew assured, “You can tell us anything.”

Umbra weakly nodded his head, resting between his friends’ shoulders. He raised his eyes, staring at their concerned expressions. Matthew was right- he could tell them anything. And he would.

“Thank you.”

Author's Note- aaand thats the end of the main story! theres one more chapter, but its just a short epilogue (however its a total game changer lolz)